Soups are one of the easiest, most nourishing meals you can prepare at home. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create comforting, flavorful bowls that work for busy weeknights, light dinners, or meal prep. Below are five classic soup recipes, each made with minimal ingredients and straightforward methods.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup (Classic Comfort)
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
200 g chicken breast
1 cup egg noodles
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley or spring onions
Method:
In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil.
Add chicken breast and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender. Remove and shred.
Add onion and carrot to the broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add egg noodles and cook until soft.
Return shredded chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and serve hot.
2. Potato Leek Soup (Creamy & Mild)
Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup leeks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2½ cups vegetable broth
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
In a pot, sauté leeks and garlic until soft.
Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Blend until smooth (optional for texture).
Stir in milk, season, and heat gently without boiling.
Serve warm.
3. Lentil Vegetable Soup (Hearty & Nutritious)
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
½ cup red lentils (washed)
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
Salt and spices, to taste (optional cumin or pepper)
Method:
Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 18–20 minutes until lentils are soft.
Mash lightly or blend for a thicker consistency.
Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
4. Creamy Mushroom Soup (Rich & Comforting)
Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups vegetable broth
½ cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
Blend until smooth or leave chunky.
Stir in milk or cream, season, and warm through.
5. Tomato Basil Soup (Light & Fresh)
Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups vegetable broth
8–10 fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add basil leaves and blend until smooth.
Adjust seasoning and serve hot with toast or croutons.
Final Thoughts
These soups prove that simple ingredients can deliver maximum comfort and flavor. Whether you’re looking for protein-rich meals, vegetarian options, or creamy classics, these recipes are easy to customize and perfect for any season.